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HISTORY 



SECOND MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 



BEVERLY FORD. 



A PAPER READ AT THE OFFICERS' REUNION IN BOSTON, 
MAY 12, 1884, 



DANIEL OAKEY, 

CAPTAIN SECOND MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 



BOSTON : 

Geo. H. Ellis, Printer, 141 Franklin Street. 

1884. 



HISTORY 



SECOND MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 



BEVERLY FORD. 



A PAPER READ AT THE OFFICERS' REUNION IN BOSTON, 
MAY 12, 1884, 



DANIEL OAKEY, 

CAPTAIN SECOND MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 



BOSTON : 

Geo. H. Ellis, Printer, 141 Franklin Street. 

1884. 






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BEVERLY FORD. 

JUiNE 9, 1863. 



In taking up the thread of Captain George A. Thayer's admira- 
ble chapter upon the Chancellorsville campaign, we find the regi- 
ment baling out their old log pens, on a dark night, in the rain. 
They had stripped the canvas roofs before starting for Chancel- 
lorsville. The return to a deserted camp, even in fine weather, 
flushed with victory, is not agreeable. The failure of Chancel- 
lorsville made the discomforts of this memorable night harder to 
bear, and it seemed very-much like some of the worst experiences 
of the " Mud campaign." 

Company " D " pursued their work with vigor, and sang with 
the broadest sarcasm " Home Again." This had rather an en- 
livening effect upon some of the other companies, who, up to this 
time, had been very silent. Daylight relieved us all; and, with 
sunshine and regimental "police," the place soon looked as if 
nothing had happened, except for the late absentees, some of 
whom would return when their wounds permitted ; but others 
would never again draw their swords under the old battle-flag. 
The scholarly Fitzgerald, who died so bravely, was the only officer 
of " ours " killed at Chancellorsville. 

It was at this very camp, about a month before, that the gallant 
and lamented Colonel Shaw, then a captain in our regiment, left 
us to organize and command that fated battalion, the " Fifty- 
fourth Colored Massachusetts." Here, we again formed a mess 
with the officers of the Third Wisconsin ; and our former caterer, 
Charley Johnson, and his colored staff, managed the table d^hbte. 
Those who were fortunate enough to be present will remember 
the surprise party given to us by the officers of the Third Wis- 
consin in our canvas dining-room, at the foot of the hill, and 
how it burst upon us in all its splendor of bayonet chandeliers 



and unlimited "commissary." Brigade manoeuvres and battalion 
drills were diligently practised; and, when Casey's tactics were 
scarcely dry from the press, (Colonel Sam Quincy, with the least 
possible preparation on our part, " sprung " on us the new move- 
ment of " Forward on the centre to form square " at " double- 
quick." And, I am ashamed to say, that, practised as we were in 
all the tricks of field manoeuvres, we " got mixed." The right 
wing started without delay for Falmouth, the left wing for Acquia 
Creek, and the color division took a steady trot for the camp of 
the Tenth Maine. Adjutant Fox galloped wildly about the field, 
the Colonel howled in despair, but on we went till the word 
" Halt ! " brought us to a stand, and we came back and formed 
line. The Colonel then made the memorable remark, " Gentle- 
men will please to have some connection of ideas," and started 
the machine again at full speed. This time we melted into a 
square in a manner which would have pleased General Andrews. 
From this camp, Colonel Quincy resigned, pretty well exhausted 
with wounds, exposure, and the trials of the Rebel prison. 

We now moved camp — Major Mudge commanding — to a pine 
grove, where we constructed quite a picturesque military village, 
and became absorbed in the habits and peculiarities of the wood- 
tick. 

The days rolled on into June ; and it seemed fully time to be 
doing something more about beating Lee, whose lieutenants were 
successfully screening their preparations for the coming Northern 
invasion. General Halleck, General-in-Chief at Washhigton, was 
still busily engaged telegraphing to the generalsin the field; and, 
no doubt, Hooker was hampered by these voluminous instructions, 
often so at variance with his own plans, which were apt to be 
excellent, and he was unable at times to suppress his own domi- 
nant and rather insubordinate spirit. 

On the 5th of June, Stuart was discovered concentrating his 
troopers in great force at Culpepper. Mr. Stuart's " Critter-back 
Company " was supposed to number about twelve thousand sabres, 
and information obtained by General Buford showed that the 
Rebels were preparing for a cavalry raid on a scale never before 
attempted. 

Here was an opportunity for the " Cavalry Corps " which 
Hooker had organized; but, owing to the wear and tear of Stone- 
man's raid, General Hooker thought our cavalry weak to cope 



with the enemy, if their numbers as reported were correct He 
decided, however, to send General Pleasanton with all the cavalry 
to attack Stuart, "stiffened," as he expressed it, with about five 
thousand infantry. 

This "stiffening" consisted of a few selected regiments, includ- 
ing "ours," to be divided equally between two columns of 'cavalry, 
— one under Buford, with Ames to command his infantry the other 
under Gregg, with General David Russell as infantry commander. 
The total force of infantry was probably not more than three 
thousand, as each regiment was thinned down by weeding out 
every man who could not be relied upon for a forced march 
The order came on the afternoon of June 6 to " get ready in 
light marching order for a secret expedition, leaving all sick' and 
baggage behind." The news soon spread through camp, and 
friends from other regiments came to witness the departure of the 
chosen. Upon learning that the Third Wisconsin was not in- 
cluded m the order, the enthusiasm in the Second Massachusetts 
was considerably dampened. "The Third" was certain that 
there must be some mistake in the transmission of the order 
These two regiments had been brigaded together since the begin- 
ning of the war, and had fought side by side in every actfon. 
There was a sense of mutual support, and a desire to share equally 
all the honors ; a strong feeling of pride in each regarding the 
achievements of the other. To us, it would have been unnatural 
to go into action without the Third Wisconsin, or at least not to 
know that they were in support. A hasty consultation resulted in 
sending an officer to present the case at head-quarters. The chap- 
lain's excellent mare was summarily pressed for the service ; and 
our ambassador, springing into the clerical saddle, shot away for 
General Ruger's head-quarters. He returned with an encouraging 
word that the General would see what could be done. 

The column was already moving out of camp, under the gaze of 
a crowd of offfcers and men. It seemed quite a family affair, as 
we noticed the "Thirty-third Massachusetts" already on the road 
waiting for us, under the fatherly protection of Colonel Under- 
wood, who had been so long a member of "ours" as captain of 
" the bloody I's." Opinions were exchanged as to the probability 
of the Third Wisconsin getting its orders. Bets, of course, were 
freely offered and taken on the chances. Meantime, we were 
joined by a battery of horse artillery and a string of pack 



mules carrying extra ammunition. Presently, a battalion appeared 
coming over the hill at a pace indicating important business. Our 
cheering was taken up by the rest of the column ; and the Third 
Wisconsin replied with wild howls, and quickly took their place as 
part of our special brigade. 

After a furious thunder-shower, which laid the dust, General 
Ames gave the word ; and the command moved off at a smart 
gait. The air was cool, and every member of the chosen band 
was in high spirits. Even that army-trodden country, under the 
circumstances, and with the influence of a beautiful sunset, 
looked fresh and picturesque. 

There was evidently a strong impression that we were able- 
bodied to the last man ; for we skipped along for eight miles with- 
out a halt, in a style which impressed our cavalry friends, whom 
we found about eight o'clock in the evening drawn up in a field at 
the roadside, to give us the right of way. A voice came from one 
of the saddles, " I say, boys ! what brigade ? " "Ah, you recruit! " 
replied one of the wits of the regiment : " don't you know this 
brigade.'' This is Gordon's flying brigade," — which was received 
with much merriment. The men were in excellent humor, ready 
to bandy words with any one, especially the cavalry, whom they 
began to divine they were to operate with. This elegant repartee 
was kept up all along the line. Occasionally, oflicers exchanged 
greetings, where friends could make each other out in the dark. 
A hasty word and shake of the hand (perhaps the last), and our 
cavalry friend is left still watching the column as it marches 
briskly along. Another cavalry detachment inquires : " What's 
your hurry, boys ? Where are you going .'' " 

"We're going to Richmond. Saddle up, you cowards, and come 
along ! " A soldier in the next company, of an inquiring dispo- 
sition, asks, "Who ever saw a dead cavalry man?" 

We bivouacked near Spotted Tavern, about eleven o'clock at 
night; and, after this lively march of sixteen miles, we were 
allowed a comfortable rest, while the cavalry occupied the road. 

Resuming our march at ten o'clock next day, we reached Beal- 
ton about sunset, and were carefully concealed in the woods. 
Lighting of fires was absolutely forbidden ; and, as the night 
closed in upon us, the staff remained in the saddle, stationed at 
different points, silently watching us ; and, as morning came again, 
there they were still on the watch. 



5 

Meantime, General Russell had marched his infantry to Hart- 
wood Church, and thence to a point near Kelly's Ford, where 
General Gregg was concentrating two divisions of cavalry. 

The night of the 8th, we moved down very near Beverly Ford 
into the woods again, — cold suppers and no lights. The men 
were exceedingly restless at these unusual orders about light and 
noise. In a letter from one of my men since the war, he says : 
"The men thought we were being humbugged, and there were 
many signs of dissatisfaction. They complained because we were 
not allowed to have fires. Dave Orne was punished (ordered to 
stand at attention) by you, for snapping a cap upon his gun. It 
was exceedingly galling to his soldierly pride, as it was the only 
time he was punished during his term of service. Hyde was 
particularly insubordinate ; and you were placed in arrest, be- 
cause Company ' D ' was so disorderly." 

I remember this very well, and my servant standing at a re- 
spectful distance, holding my sabre while I was under this tempo- 
rary cloud. The gallant commander of the " Irish Brigade," as 
we called Company "H," shared the cloud with me; for he was 
placed in arrest at the same time. Our sabres, however, were 
returned to us before we got into the fight ; and, in the evening 
bivouac, our commander made us a most graceful apology over a 
tin mug of "commissary." 

Buford's whole column was now concealed in the woods. The 
cheerful clank and jingle of the cavalry was, by some means, 
suppressed ; there was no merry bugle breaking upon the still 
hours of the night ; and, as the moon threw deep shadows across 
the quiet country road, there seemed no trace of "grim-visaged 
war." 

At three o'clock in the morning, Captain Comey, with thirty 
picked men from the Second Massachusetts, crept down to the 
river-bank, to see that all was clear for the advance. He reported 
a large force of cavalry in bivouac on the south side of the river, 
quite unconscious of Buford's stealthy approach. Indeed, Jones' 
Rebel cavalry brigade was only a short distance from the Ford, 
while his wagons and artillery were parked even nearer to the 
river. Fitz Hugh Lee, Robertson, and W. H. F. Lee were in 
bivouac at various points within supporting distance of Jones ; 
while Wade Hampton was passing the night in picturesque reserve 
at Fleetwood Hill. 



The spot was admirably adapted for a cavalry battle, the 
country rolling along, with an occasional clump of woods and fine 
open fields, toward Brandy Station, where the Rebel cavalry- 
chief, Stuart, had pitched his head-quarters. 

The close proximity of Stuart's troopers was a little unexpected. 
Their movement to Beverly Ford, it seems, was simultaneous with 
our own. 

The plan was to have the enemy remain somewhere near Cul- 
pepper, while Gregg's column advanced from Kelly's Ford, and 
Buford's from Beverly Ford, the first bearing to the left, the latter 
to the right, the two columns to form a junction near Brandy 
Station. General Pleasanton then, having our entire force well 
in hand, would make a determined attack upon Stuart's squadrons. 
But it is the unexpected which must be looked for in war, and 
the necessary tactics were quickly decided upon. 

Nearly the whole of Stuart's force was in our immediate front ; 
but they would be exposed to the disadvantage of a surprise, and, 
having no infantry with them, our little brigade of rifles would be 
doubly effective. 

General Pleasanton would be unable to control and harmonize 
the movements of his two columns, being completely cut off from 
General Gregg ; but the latter was so well known as an able com- 
mander and a hard fighter that the enemy was certain to be treated 
again to a surprise in flank and rear, and would be thus diverted 
from our front. And it seemed as if we might still succeed in 
breaking up the enemy's cavalry. 

The situation had its advantages, in spite of the opinion of 
some distinguished cavalry men ; and " Forward ! " was the word. 

As the hazy June morning dawned upon us, troopers appeared 
to rise out of the ground and swarm out of the woods, till the 
whole country seemed alive with cavalry ; and Ames' picked 
rifles took their place in the column. 

The early morning mist, hanging upon the river banks, con- 
cealed our approach. 

" In both our armies, there is many a soul 
Shall pay full dearly for this encounter, 
If once they join in trial." 

The gallant and lamented Colonel Davis led the way with the 
Eighth New York Cavalry, dashing over the Ford and surprising 



7 

the enemy's pickets, who fell back upon Jones' exposed artillery 
and wagons. 

The Rebels were panic-stricken at the sudden approach of the 
" Yankee " cavalry ; and great confusion ensued. But the alarm 
quickly spread, and part of Jones' troopers were soon in the 
saddle, charging furiously down upon the Eighth New York, who 
broke ; and, before Colonel Davis could turn to- rally his leading 
regiment, a Rebel soldier sprang from behind a tree and shot him 
dead. But the avenging sabre of Lieutenant Parsons (Davis' 
adjutant) severed the poor fellow's connection with this life. 

Colonel Davis was a serious loss to the " Cavalry Corps," — 
a graduate of West Point, an accomplished ofhcer, a universal 
favorite, — and, although a Southerner, he stuck to the flag he had 
sworn to defend. 

Meantime, the Eighth Illinois Cavalry had gained the southern 
bank, and rushed upon Jones' people, driving them back upon 
the main body, who were forming in the rear of a bit of wood. 
Colonel Davis was borne back in a blanket as General Pleasanton, 
who had accompanied our column in person, arrived at the river 
bank. 

The Third Indiana Cavalry followed the Eighth Illinois ; and 
Ames' men were now crossing under the eye of the distinguished 
group of horsemen, to one of whom (Colonel F, C, Newhall, 
afterward of Sheridan's staff) I am indebted for the following 
description : — 

General Buford was there, with his usual smile. He rode a gray 
horse, at a slow walk generally, and smoked a pipe, no matter what was 
going on around him; and it was always reassuring to see him in the 
saddle when there was any chance of a fight. 

General Pleasanton's staff was partly composed of men who became 
distinguished. The Adjutant General was A. J. Alexander, of Ken- 
tucky, a very handsome fellow, who was afterward a Brigadier General 
with Thomas, in the West. Among the aides was Captain Farnsworth, 
Eighth Ilhnois Cavalry, who so distinguished himself in the coming 
battle, and in the subsequent operations south of the Potomac, that he 
was made a Brigadier General, and with that rank fell at Gettysburg, 
at the head of a brigade of cavalry which he had commanded but a few 
days. Another aide was the brilliant Custer, then a lieutenant, whose 
career and lamented death there is no need to recall. Another was 
Lieutenant R, S. McKenzie, of the engineers, now General McKenzie 
of well-won fame, the youngest colonel of the regular army ; and still 



8 

another was Ulric Dahlgren. General Pleasanton had certainly no lack 
of intelligence, dash, and hard-riding to rely on in those about him. 

The infantry had now cleared the woods of the enemy's 
troopers, who were deceived as to the number of our rifles, and 
showed no inclination to expose men and horses to the deadly 
fire of experienced infantry skirmishers. 

The old, time-honored Second Dragoons, the Fifth Regulars, 
and that crack young regiment, the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry 
(forming what was known as the " Reserve Brigade "), were mass- 
ing on the southern bank of the river. The sharp report of in- 
fantry rifles, the rising smoke, and the thousand indescribable 
sounds, with the tramp of fresh cavalry pressing forward to take 
their part in the fray, showed that the battle was now waging in 
good earnest. The wounded arrived more rapidly at the ford, 
stretcher-bearers plying their trade in the hot sun. 

The soft, dewy grass of the morning was now kicked and 
trampled into dry dust. The infantry held the enemy in the open 
space beyond the woods ; while Buford hurled his squadrons, with 
drawn sabres, upon the Rebel cavalry on the right and left. 

A sabre charge, with both sides going at top speed, is, perhaps, 
the most exciting and picturesque combination of force, nerve, 
and courage that can be imagined. The commanding officers 
leading in conspicuous advance ; the rush, the thunder of horses' 
hoofs ; the rattle of arms and equipments, — all mingling with the 
roar of voices, while the space rapidly lessens between the ap- 
proaching squadrons. The commanders who were seen, a mo- 
ment before, splendidly mounted, clashing on at racing speed, 
turning in the saddle to look back at the tidal wave which they 
are leading", disappear in a cloud of sabres, clashing and cutting; 
but the fight is partly obscured by the rising dust and the mist 
from the over-heated animals. Riderless horses come, wounded 
and trembling, out of the melee ; others appear, running in fright, 
carrying dying troopers still sitting their chargers, the head droop- 
ing on the breast, the sword-arm hanging lifeless, the blood-stained 
sabre dangling from the wrist, tossing, swinging, and cutting the 
poor animal's flanks, goading him on in his aimless flight. In 
this moment of intense excitement, the Rebels give way on the 
left. Our troopers follow in hot pursuit. On they go, over the 
dead and dying. At the sound of the " recall," back they come, 
to take breath and re-form at the rallying ground to which Ames' 



skirmishers move forward, to regain their connection and establish 
a more advanced line of battle. Although the infantry occupied 
the centre of the line, their operations were not confined to this 
point. They were sent in small detachments to different parts of 
the field, to support artillery, and, at times, even to engage the 
enemy, when opportunity offered. The line officers bore a 
thorough test of their experience and training during a day of 
perpetual activity. 

The " Reserve Brigade " had gone into action. There were to 
be no fresh troops in waiting. Every one was needed at the 
front. 

The Rebels made desperate attempts to capture the ford, and 
pressed us hard on the right. This part of our line made little 
progress, and was forced at times to assume simply the defensive. 

Two squadrons of the Second Dragoons were withdrawn to 
assist in covering the approaches to the ford. 

The Rebels made another desperate charge. It seemed, this 
time, as if they would carry all before them. But we stood our 
ground, and opened on them at close quarters with the guns ; and 
Ames' men plied their rifles, making every bullet tell. The 
enemy lost heavily, and came to a stand. The Dragoons dropped 
their carbines, and, drawing sabres, rushed upon them, driving 
them off in confusion. 

It was hot work all along the line ; and, although our cavalry 
suffered severely at times, nothing could surpass their gallant 
conduct. 

The Sixth Pennsylvania, in charging the enemy near St. James' 
Church, were badly punished by the Rebel artillery, and had to 
withdraw with heavy loss of officers, men, and horses. Their 
gallant commander, Major Morris, whose horse fell upon him, 
was left a prisoner in the enemy's hands. The Second Dragoons 
also suffered severely at this point. 

Much to our relief, the enemy now appeared to be attacked in 
the rear, as they made no further attempt to capture the ford, and 
the force in our front was evidently reduced. 

A Rebel battery now opened from a bit of woods about six 
hundred yards in front, while we were making disposition to 
advance our right, and our guns unlimbered upon a knoll in the 
open fields in front and to the right of the ford ; and a lively can- 
nonade ensued. I was skirmishine; nearer to the centre of the 



lO 

line with my own company and Company " F," the latter under 
command of Captain, then Lieutenant, Parker, and was ordered 
with these two companies to support the guns on the knoll. On 
the way, 1 was joined by Colonel, then Captain, Stevenson of the 
Third Wisconsin, who had been ordered to the same duty. Gen- 
eral Buford and some staff officers were standing near the guns, 
their horses awaiting them in the rear, where the artillery horses 
had taken refuge. 

Part of the Tenth Virginia Cavalry were on foot behind a 
stone wall down in the open fields in front; and they endeav- 
ored to interfere with us as much as "possible while we were 
posting Lieutenant Parker with two men as a " lookout " to 
apprise us of any movement on the part of the enemy. They had 
already annoyed our artillery very much, popping at them with 
their carbines. 

Captain Stevenson and I lay down with our companies in the 
usual position of artillery supports, about thirty yards in rear, 
while our guns belched forth their fire and smoke, and the 
enemy's shells came howling overhead and bursting behind us 
with that spiteful, sharp, clean-cut bang which we used to know so 
well. 

Having nothing to do as yet but smoke our pipes, we lolled on 
the grass and studied our cavalry friends. Custer was the most 
striking figure in the group, with his fanciful uniform, his long 
hair, and spirited manner. He seemed to enjoy the shelling, and 
appeared to beam all over, almost dancing with excitement. 

Other staff officers arrived from time to time, and, plunging into 
the group, on their reeking horses, spoke to General Buford, and 
then dashed away again. The fight seemed still going on in the 
centre and on the left, which had advanced considerably ; but our 
view was somewhat obstructed by clumps of woods. 

General Buford, whom we had never seen before, impressed us 
with his commanding presence and his manly and picturesque 
simplicity of dress. He looked as if his division might idolize 
him, as it was said they did. He seemed much annoyed at the 
Tenth Virginia Cavalry behind the wall, and at last summoned 
the commander of the infantry supports. Although Stevenson 
commanded, he wished me to assist at the audience ; and we were 
at the General's side in a moment, looking over the guns at the 
surrounding country. 



1 1 

" Do you see those people down there ? " says Buford : " they've 
got to be driven out. Do you thhik you can do it ? " 

We looked up and down the line, and rested our gaze upon a 
wheat-field on the left of the stone wall (the enemy's right). 

" It's about double our force," says Stevenson. 

"Fully that," I replied, " if not more." 

We looked again at the wheat-field, for that was the key to 
the position. Something was said about "flanking" and "enfi- 
lading 'em." 

" Mind," said the General, "I don't order you ; but, if you think 
you can do it, go in." 

We thought we could. It would hardly do to back out in the 
presence of so distinguished a cavalry audience, if there was a 
chance of success. A number of the staff had gathered round 
to hear our conversation, and showed a great deal of interest at 
the prospect of a little " side show," at which they would have 
orchestra chairs, front row. 

The General, with this group around him, was drawing the fire 
of the stone wall people, and was urged to keep out of range, 
while the rest of us scattered to less dangerous positions. Some 
of the staff came back and watched the men "fall in," as if to 
see us off, Custer showed much interest, and evidently would 
have enjoyed going with us. 

We struck back into the country, and took a circuitous route 
behind hedges and through corn-fields, Stevenson and myself run- 
ning on together, and the men following with their rifles as low as 
possible, and crouching along to avoid attracting any notice. 

We planned the attack as we went along, instructing sergeants, 
who in turn fell back and gave orders to the men. Upon arriving 
at the wheat-field, we all hugged the ground. Ten picked marks- 
men now crawled forward with me into the wheat, while Captain 
Stevenson deployed the rest of the men into as long a skirmish 
line as their numbers would permit. 

We despatched a messenger to notify Lieutenant Parker, whom 
we had left near the guns, to join us at once. In justice to Parker, 
I must say that he hated to be left out of a fight. 

The ten marksmen crawled on through the wheat, till they were 
almost " on the end " of the enemy's line ; and then, crowding 
together so as to rake the line, they fired at the signal, with ter- 
rible accuracy. 



12 

The Rebels were completely surprised, but turned and delivered 
a scattering fire. My excellent Sergeant Nutting fell into my 
arms mortally wounded. He was all pluck to the last moment. 
Although he could not speak, he showed signs of wishing to bid 
us good-by, and was evidently gratified at the manner in which we 
tenderly shook him by the hand. It was a success for the com- 
pany, but the men all seemed to share my own feeling that it was 
dearly bought at such a price. 

Meantime, Captain Stevenson was advancing through the wheat; 
and, as soon as my party fired, he began making noise enough for 
two regiments. We sprang over the fence into the open field ; 
and there we found Lieutenant Parker standing on the stone wall, 
pistol in hand, with his two men and the messenger, demanding 
" unconditional surrender." 

We could not help being amused at Parker's sudden appear- 
ance ; but he explained that he was afraid that he would be too 
late, and so "charged the stone wall in front, and took the 
chances." 

Stevenson's men were coming over the fence all the way down 
the wheat ; and the enemy, utterly deceived as to our numbers, 
had already commenced dropping their weapons and giving them- 
selves up. We hurried them off as rapidly as possible, and gave 
all the care we could to the wounded. Some of the Rebels at the 
other end of the wall tried to escape ; but Stevenson had swung 
his line round so promptly that he covered them at short range, 
and persuaded the runaways to come in. Having killed, wounded, 
and captured the entire party, we retired to a rising ground to the 
left of our own guns, and covered the approaches to the stone 
wall by posting some sharp-shooters with" their pieces sighted at 
three hundred yards. At this distance, two of the enemy's dis- 
mounted troopers were killed. This seemed to be sufficient warn- 
ing to the rest, who made no further attempt to occupy the stone 
wall. 

General Buford now advanced the right of the line, and pressed 
forward, driving the enemy's cavalry before him toward Fleetwood 
Hill. General Gregg, who had relieved us at such a critical 
moment by diverting the enemy from our front, had crossed 
Kelly's Ford at daylight with little opposition, and left General 
Russell with his infantry to guard the lower fords. 

Colonel Duffie's division was sent to Stevensburg, where they 



13 

encountered the enemy, and drove them through and beyond the 
town, with our friends of the First Massachusetts Cavalry in the 
advance ; and here Colonel Duffie remained, according to the 
original plan. 

General Gregg pushed on toward Brandy Station with Kilpat- 
rick's and Windham's brigades. The latter attacked the Rebel 
cavalry so promptly that they were scarcely ready for him. 
Stuart's head-quarters were captured and important despatches 
fell into our hands, with valuable information as to the enemy's 
plans. Windham and Kilpatrick were both hotly engaged as 
troops were withdrawn from Buford's front to resist them. 

Gregg's people fought hard, charging repeatedly with the sabre, 
and gradually gaining the crest of Fleetwood Hill. The Sixth 
New York Light Battery did their full share of work. 

More troops were withdrawn from Buford's front; and, at last, 
General Gregg, finding himself overmatched, withdrew to the foot 
of the hill, leaving two guns in the enemy's hands. Colonel H. S, 
Thomas describes the cannoneers reluctantly obeying the order to 
leave the guns, some of the men actually shedding tears. 

Meanwhile, General Buford continued to push the enemy toward 
Fleetwood, and again the Rebels began to resist us more stub- 
bornly. Both sides charged repeatedly with the sabre, and at 
times dismounted to fight behind stone walls, Ames' rifles making 
themselves generally useful at various points in the field. 

In one very spirited charge of the Second Dragoons, General 
Merritt, then a captain, rode impetuously on, not hearing the 
recall, followed by Lieutenant Quirk. He noticed a prominent 
Rebel officer, and, riding toward him, bringing his sabre to a 
point, he innocently remarked, " Colonel, you are my prisoner ! " 
The officer made a cut at his head : Merritt, dexterously parrying 
the cut, only lost his hat. His opponent turned out to be Colonel, 
afterward. General Wade Hampton. Lieutenant Quirk called out 
to Merritt, " We're surrounded ! " and, sure enough, a Rebel ring 
had formed to see the " Yankee " officer brought down. But 
Merritt and Quirk had not been taught to ride for nothing, and 
galloped safely back into our lines, amid a shower of pistol 
bullets. 

General Rodenbough, then a captain, and many others of the 
cavalry, had personal encounters, in which they proved themselves 
to be excellent swordsmen. 



14 

As our two columns drew nearer together, both aiming for 
Fleetwood Hill, the junction was at last accomplished ; and 
General Gregg rode into our lines, reporting a heavy force of 
Rebel infantry pouring into Brandy Station from Culpepper by 
rail. 

General Pleasanton not caring to encounter the Rebel infantry, 
especially after a day of such hard pounding, ordered General 
Gregg to withdraw by way of Rappahannock Station ; and Colonel 
Newhall was sent to tell Buford to stop fighting, and go home by 
way of Beverly Ford. 

The operation of withdrawal was accomplished without inter- 
ference, the enemy contenting themselves with looking on from a 
respectful distance. As we approached Beverly Ford, the P'irst 
Regular Cavalry turned up, eager for the fray. They had been off 
on some detached duty and were too late for any of the fun, so 
General Pleasanton had them all deployed as mounted skirmishers 
to cover the crossing of the troops. 

The scene at the ford was very picturesque. A lovely sunset 
shed its cool light over the long columns of cavalry winding their 
way toward the river, and the mounted skirmishers were thrown in 
bold relief against the brilliant sky. 

Captain Comey took his old position again, with his little band 
of thirty men, on the north bank of the river, and remained there 
till morning, when he rejoined the regiment. 

Our bivouac the night of the battle was unusually cheerful, for 
we had brought every officer of " ours "' safely out of the fight 
alive and well. Even Captain Frank Crowninshield, who gener- 
ally got a bullet into him somewhere, came off, like the Irishman 
at the fair, with only a hole in the crown of his hat. 

Many a fence rail was burned to give light to the conference 
which was held over the events of the day. We had been so 
separated during the fight that the experiences of each one had to 
be presented to the assemblage in turn ; and, with the assistance of 
some of the Third Wisconsin officers, the comparing of notes was 
extended far into the night. 

Our forces had gained all they set out to accomplish. The 
momentous cavalry schemes of the enemy were frustrated, and 
their troopers had been severely punished by cavalry which they 
had always considered inferior to their own. 

The disheartening effect throughout the Confederacy may be 



15 

guessed by the following extract from a diary kept by Mr. I. D. 
Jones, the Rebel War Clerk at Richmond : — 

Ju)ic 12. — The surprise of Stuart on the Rappahannock has chilled 
every heart, notwithstanding it does not ajjpear that we lost more than 
the enemy in the encounter. The question is on every tongue, Have our 
generals relaxed in vigilance ? If so, sad is the prospect. 

After the long period of mismanagement, disaster, sacrifice, 
blood, and tears through which the Army of the Potomac had 
passed, with steadiness of purpose and undaunted courage which 
has never been surpassed, the turning-point came, at last, in the 
brilliant conflict at Beverly Ford, or " Fleetwood," as the Rebel 
chief, Stuart, called it. 

It was a severe blow to the enemy's cavalry at the right mo- 
ment, and was productive of important results, being followed by 
Pleasanton in the battles of Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville, 
holding Stuart in check and keeping Hooker fully informed as to 
the movements of the enemy ; while General Lee was in constant 
anxiety and in want of information during his march up the 
Cumberland Valley and, in fact, during the whole of the Gettys- 
burg campaign. On the 27th of June, General Hooker requested 
to be relieved, and General Mead assumed command of the Army 
of the Potomac. 

This change of commanders was accomplished while the two 
great armies were in motion. There was no excitement over it. 
The Army of the Potomac was not very sorry to part with General 
Hooker, nor specially pleased to be commanded by Mead. On 
the whole, they had more confidence in the latter ; but the main 
object was to beat Lee. 



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